Bullets Reload By Getting Bickerstaff As New Coach

The Washington Bullets addressed the future by dipping into their past Monday, hiring former assistant Bernie Bickerstaff as their new head coach.

Bickerstaff, who turns 53 today, signed a four-year contract with the team that gave him his start in the NBA.

“I feel lucky to be able to come back into a situation where I’m familiar with the community, the organization and the owner,” Bickerstaff said.

Bickerstaff stepped down as general manager of the Denver Nuggets to return to Washington, where he served as an assistant coach from 1973-85. He was on the sidelines with head coach Dick Motta in 1978 when center Wes Unseld and the Bullets won their only NBA championship.

Unseld, now the Bullets’ general manager, was the man in charge of bringing Bickerstaff back to Washington. Bickerstaff replaces Jim Lynam, who was fired Wednesday after the Bullets staggered to a 22-24 start.

“This is not a buddy-hire,” Unseld said. “I was looking for someone with the ability to handle talented players and get them to perform.”

With the Nuggets 4-9 on Nov. 26, Bickerstaff turned the coaching duties over to Motta to concentrate on his role as team president and take over as GM.

Nuggets owner Charlie Lyons would not identify candidates he’s looking at for Bickerstaff’s replacement, but they reportedly include Los Angeles Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak, former Nuggets coach Dan Issel and former Charlotte general manager and coach Allan Bristow.